A strike by thousands of South Korean truck drivers poses a new risk to supply chains that are already under pressure worldwide. The drivers stopped working for the third day in a row on Thursday. As a result, transports from ports and container warehouses were interrupted.
Thanks to international companies such as Samsung, Hyundai and Kia, South Korea has a strong international network. Global supply chains are already under pressure after weeks of lockdowns in Chinese cities.
“Frustration” among truck drivers
About 30 percent of the drivers’ union took part in the strike, which corresponds to about 7,200 workers, according to the Ministry of Transport. In view of the sharp rise in fuel prices, they demand higher wages.
“With rising fuel prices and the government not doing enough to support our livelihoods, our frustration continues to grow,” said Kim Jae Kwang, a senior truck union official.
Meanwhile, President Yoon Seok Yeol warned strikers against violence. “Under no circumstances will the public accept acts that are against the law and lead to violence,” Yoon said. The government is trying to resolve the situation through dialogue.
“Selfish” Union Actions
The South Korean Automobile Industry Association described the strike as “extremely selfish”. The industry, already suffering from the global shortage of microchips, will come under further pressure. At car giant Hyundai Motor, production at the Ulsan factories has already been interrupted. There, truck drivers had refused to supply parts to the Hyundai factories, Yonhap news agency reported. Tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology also reported problems, as did steel group Posco.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
